What if celebration isn’t something “extra,” but something essential to living a meaningful, connected life?  If you're like me, you're always looking for reasons to celebrate and enjoy life. 

 In this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity, I sit down with Dr. R. Jon McGee—anthropologist, author, and longtime Texas State University professor— to explore the topic of celebration.  We met at the Live Oak Podcast Studio on the campus of Texas State University.  

For more than forty years, Dr. McGee lived with and learned from Maya communities in southern Mexico. He explained how rituals create order in chaotic times and help people navigate change.

Inside Maya Ritual Life

Professor McGee takes us inside ceremonies shaped by rainforest ecosystems and centuries of tradition—

• incense drifting 
• prayers spoken in a distinct ritual voice
• balché, a fermented mead used to open a sacred, altered state

He reveals how metaphors woven into healing incantations—birds, winds, heat, and fever—carry cultural memory and symbolic meaning. 

Why Rituals Matter in Our Everyday Lives

From Christmas and communion to Thanksgiving tables and graduation, Professor McGee helps us see how our own traditions carry histories and stories forward. These familiar symbols—colors, foods, candles, music—are  anchors that help us mark time and feel connected.

How to Bring More Celebration Into Your Life

If you’re craving more meaning, we discuss some practical ways to create moments of celebration:

• Gather the people who matter most
• Choose symbols your group already loves
• Engage all five senses
• Make space for recognition and storytelling
• Keep it small—simple gestures can make a big difference

How do you celebrate? I’d love to hear.

If you enjoyed this episode subscribe, share with a friend who might need to celebrate more often, and leave a review.   Tell me the one ritual you’d never give up.

Learn more about Dr. R. Jon McGee here.

Recorded at Live Oak Studios on the campus of Texas State University.

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How do sports, culture, and communication shape who we are?  In this episode, Judy Oskam talks with University of Alabama Sports Scholar Dr. Kenon Brown.
 
 Dr. Brown is a professor of advertising and public relations, co-director of the Beyond Sports Initiative, and co-author of the book -  The United States of Sport: Media Framing and the Influence of the Intersection of Sports and American Culture.
 
During our conversation we explore how sports reflect American society, how branding and communication shape identity, and how career pivots can open doors to purpose and passion. From the rise of women’s sports to the connection between hip-hop and the NBA, Dr. Brown offers a powerful look at creativity and change through the lens of sport.

In this episode you'll learn: 

 - The 'perfect storm' moment that connected passion and purpose, resulting in a career change
 - How sports mirror American culture — from equality in pay to pop culture and hip-hop
 - Why authenticity and consistency matter in personal branding, especially for NIL athletes
 - The powerful link between sports, mental health, and communication
 - What’s next in global sports: the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics

Quotes - Dr. Kenon Brown

“It was the perfect storm — the right people at the right time helped me make the pivot.”
 
 “Sports are a microcosm of society. Every major cultural shift is reflected on the field or court.”
 
 “Be authentic. Be consistent. That’s the foundation of a strong personal brand.”
 
 “The intersection of communication, culture, and sports is where real change happens.”

Resources and Links

- The United States of Sport: Media Framing and the Influence of the Intersection of Sports and American Culture by Kenon Brown, Josh Dickhaus, and Mia Long Anderson

- Beyond Sports Initiative, University of Alabama
 

Dr. Brown kicked off a university lecture series in sports media at Texas State University, coordinated by Professor and Regents' Teacher of Advertising Dr. Mike Devlin.  

This interview was recorded at Live Oak Studios, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Texas State University. 

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What’s your relationship with money? Do you worry about having enough? Does money guide all of your decisions?  

In this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity, I talk with Mary Liz Burns about the psychology of money. She has more than two decades of experience in personal finance communications and media.  Mary Liz has an MBA with a focus on financial psychology and is a certified senior advisor.

After a successful career in corporate communications and public relations — including 22 years with AARP — Mary Liz realized the missing piece in most money conversations: the human connection. Now, she helps people understand their personal “money stories” and develop healthier, more compassionate relationships with money.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why our relationship with money is emotional, not rational — and how fear and shame can hold us back
• The four money scripts that shape financial behavior
• How childhood experiences and “financial flashpoints” form our money beliefs
• How our relationship with money changes in different stages of life
• Practical steps to begin your own money awareness journey — where to start

Quotes

“My goal from now until the day I die is to reduce the fear and shame we have around money — and to help people have open, honest conversations, starting with themselves.”  — Mary Liz Burns

“Financial education alone is not enough to change behavior. We have to bring the human piece to it.”   — Mary Liz Burns

Resources & Links

• Take the free Money Scripts Test (by Dr. Brad Klontz)
• Learn more about Mary Liz Burns and her work in financial psychology https://www.marylizburns.money/
  
  

Note:  This content is not intended as specific legal or financial advice, and listeners should consider their individual circumstances when applying this information and to seek professional assistance if needed. 

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For our 100th episode, I sit down with Dr. Kelly Damphousse, the 10th president of Texas State University. A sociologist by training, President Damphousse talks candidly about the midnight moment that set the tone for his presidency.   He shares his personal journey – from growing up in a trailer court with no plans for college to becoming a university president.

We also discuss the university’s momentum — from a campus master plan to the research trajectory toward R1 and a move to the Pac-12 that reshapes TXST’s national profile.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Why athletics is the “front porch” of a university 
• The power of mentorship and paying it forward 
• What belonging looks like in practice: presence, notes of gratitude, and saying “yes” to students
• Highlights of TXST’s 10-year master plan 
• Practical advice for students: engage beyond class, build faculty relationships, and find your “why”

Quotes -  Dr.Kelly Damphousse

• “You belong here.”
• “If someone poured into you, your job is to pay it forward.”
• “I’m duty-bound to show up — not for me, but because the presidency matters to people.”
  
  

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Do you know your values? You might think you know your values, but are you living your values, right now? 

In this solo episode, Judy Oskam reflects on a recent experience she shared with her daughter, Danielle. Together, they attended the Becoming You intensive led by Dr. Suzy Welch at the NYU Stern School of Business. The New York workshop centered on values and purpose. It encouraged participants to explore what matters most and to design a life that aligns with those priorities.

Judy shares insights about tools such as the Values Bridge assessment, the Enneagram, and various aptitude tests. She also includes a short soundbite with Dr. Welch, about advice for new graduates.  Later, Dani offers her perspective on how what the process revealed to her.

In this Episode You’ll Learn

• Why self-discovery is a lifelong journey
• How the Values Bridge assessment measures the gap between your current and ideal life
• How Dr. Suzy Welch advises students to begin their careers
• What the “Four Horsemen” framework reveals about barriers to growth
• Dani's insights from the workshop

Quotes

“Self-discovery isn’t a one-time thing. It’s really an ongoing journey.” – Judy Oskam

“You have to know your values. You can’t be guessing.” – Dr. Suzy Welch

“The more you know about yourself, the better you are able to navigate through undiscovered things.” – Danielle Oskam

I hope this episode encourages you to keep learning, reflect on your values, and stay open to growth. Thanks for listening!  

Resources and Links

• Suzy Welch – NYU Stern Initiative on Purpose and Flourishing
• Try the Four Horsemen Quiz – a free tool 
• Learn more about the Becoming You program and methodology.

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What does it really mean to be free? 

In this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity, Judy Oskam sits down with Christian Ray Flores—a high-performance coach, entrepreneur, and author of the Little Book of Big Reasons to Love America: A Love Letter from an Immigrant. 

Christian has lived through revolutions and the fall of the Soviet Union. From that perspective, he offers a powerful take on the American spirit and freedom. He also shares how living your brand and leaning into your unique expertise can open the door and make a real impact.

In this episode you’ll learn 

• Why freedom is personal power
• How the spirit of America shapes opportunity and resilience
• The risks of trading freedom for comfort and certainty
• How to live your brand and turn your expertise into impact

Contact Christian Ray Flores

• Website
• Book: 10 Reasons to Love America
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• X

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In this powerful episode, Ontario veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford shows us what it truly means to live with passion and a sense of adventure. He's called the Worldwide Vet.   Dr. Redford travels the world combining his veterinary practice with global volunteer work.  Over the years, he has helped animals and communities in Jamaica, India, Panama, India and Ukraine.   

Dr. Cliff's journey proves that change is something to embrace no matter what your age. Whether he's performing surgeries in a war zone, learning to surf, or starting boxing at age 48, Dr. Redford lives life to the fullest.  He reminds us it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, take risks.

In This Episode You'll Learn

-Why embracing change fuels growth and resilience
-How travel and service can deepen passion for your profession
-The art of becoming “comfortable with being uncomfortable”
-Why adventure—no matter your age—is the key to life
-The importance of kindness in all forms 

Key Takeaways

1. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.  By leaving your comfort zone, you expand your skills and passion for life.
2. Take a risk to discover a full life – Trying something new later in life, adventure keeps you energized and connected.

Dr. Cliff Redford’s Motto

"Be kind to animals, be kind to each other, and be kind to yourself."

Visit the Dr. Cliff's site:  drcliff.ca

Dr. Cliff on Instagram
instagram.com/drcliffworldwidevet

Dr. Cliff on Facebook
facebook.com/drcliffworldwidevet

Twitter - X
x.com/vet905

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Why are companies firing Gen Z employees — and what can be done to help them succeed?

In August, I attended the 2025 Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication conference in San Francisco.  

My colleague, Dr. Nandini Bhalla of Texas State University, led a stellar panel titled “Why are companies firing Gen Z employees? Workforce Strategies and Solutions for PR’s Next Generation.”

The panel featured an all-star lineup of experts:

• Caitlin Haskins – Vice President of AI, Big Data & Cloud at 10Fold Communications
• Michelle Galey – Washington State University
• Jeffrey Ranta – Coastal Carolina University
• Caitlin Cieslik-Miskimen – University of Idaho
• Moderator - Nandini Bhalla, Texas State University

After the panel, I pulled out my iPhone and asked Caitlin Haskins a couple of questions about what she sees in the workplace.  In this short interview, Caitlin shared practical strategies that every Gen Z professional can use to thrive in today’s workplace. The AEJMC Public Relations Division co-sponsored this panel with the Internships & Careers Interest Group.

Caitlin's tips are clear and actionable.  Listeners will walk away with 3 strategies they can use immediately. 

• Reliability — show up, meet deadlines, and build trust
• Proactive communication — keep projects and teams aligned
• Growth mindset — turn feedback into a tool for long-term success

You can learn more about Caitlin Haskins from her LinkedIn profile and in this Ragan PR Daily article. 

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On this episode I talk with Christine Blosdale – expert authority coach and  podcaster – about how to overcome imposter syndrome and establish yourself as a leader in your field. Christine offers real-world strategies to boost your confidence and elevate your personal brand.

Christine had a challenging childhood and it taught her resilience and the power of voice. Her mom was a single mother who worked nights. Christine's mother instilled a knowingness in her that her opinion mattered.  You'll learn more about her background during our interview.  

Whether you’re a business leader or creative professional, this conversation is packed with tools to help you own your expertise.  

 My Takeaways

1. Move Beyond Imposter Syndrome

• Identify the different ways it can show up
• Shift focus from self-doubt to serving your audience

2. Build a Professional Media Kit

• Include high-quality, professional photos
• Craft a short, impactful bio
• Highlight “as seen on” media mentions to add credibility

3. Be Easy to Feature

• Provide suggested interview topics and questions
• Make it simple for podcast hosts and media outlets to book you

4. Reach the Right Audience

• You don’t need millions of followers—just the right ones
• Focus on resonance over reach

5. Choose Authenticity Over Perfection

• Let go of perfectionism
• Be real and authentic

6. Visibility Matters

• Show up and consistently share your expertise.

💬 

📌 Resources & Links

• Christine's Official Website: ExpertAuthorityCoach.com
• Share your story with Judy: judyoskam.com

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In this short solo episode, I share some thoughts about my study abroad experience in Scotland.  It pushed me and my students out of our comfort zone, but that was a very good thing.   

I taught one of the first Edinburgh hub classes for Texas State University based at Queen Margaret University.   Our hub programs are short-term study abroad experiences where students earn credit while spending 3-weeks living and learning overseas.  

Takeaways

• Students connected with each other while developing deeper connections with themselves
• Examples of Transformative Learning Theory 
• Students learned about course content and the local community
• Freedom to explore. Students visited Edinburgh (6 minutes by train) and  coastal villages like North Berwick
• New experiences built confidence and positive self-esteem

Homework: 

Choose one way to step into something new this week.
What surprised you the last time you tried something new?
How did you grow from the experience?  

Want to hear the real story? You can listen to the podcast interviews featuring my students here. They are fantastic!    

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